£578.82 Universal Credit Increase – Who Qualifies, How to Claim and Check Your Eligibility!

Universal Credit is a crucial financial support system for millions of people across the UK. Whether you’re out of work, on a low income, or juggling part-time jobs, this benefit adjusts with your needs. In June 2024, the UK government increased the standard allowance for couples aged 25 or over—from £578.82 to £617.60 per month.

This rise helps households manage rising costs, including rent, groceries, and childcare. Let’s break down what’s changed, who qualifies, and how you can claim the extra support you’re entitled to.

Overview

Universal Credit combines six older benefits into one simplified payment:

• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit

It’s paid monthly and adapts to your personal circumstances. If your income goes down or your family grows, your payment may increase automatically.

Increase

From June 2024, the government raised the monthly allowance for couples (where at least one is aged 25 or over):

Type	Previous Rate	New Rate (June 2024)
Couple (aged 25 or over)	£578.82	£617.60

This update was part of broader cost-of-living support and is automatically applied for current claimants.

Eligibility

To qualify for Universal Credit, you need to meet several core criteria:

Basic Conditions

• Be 18 or over (with some exceptions for 16–17-year-olds)
• Live in the UK
• Have less than £16,000 in savings or investments
• Be on a low income or unemployed

Special Circumstances

You may still qualify if you:

• Have dependent children
• Live with a disability or health issue
• Pay for housing or registered childcare
• Act as a carer for someone else

Universal Credit is also available to those working part-time or self-employed, so it’s not just for people out of work.

Apply

If you’re new to the system and think you might be eligible, here’s how to apply.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Check Your Eligibility
   Use the online calculator at GOV.UK or speak to a Jobcentre advisor.
2. Gather Documents
   You’ll need:

• Proof of ID (passport or driving licence)
• Income statements or payslips
• Rent and housing costs
• Childcare receipts
• Bank details

3. Apply Online
   Go to the government’s official Universal Credit page and create an account.
4. Verify Identity
   You may do this online or attend a local Jobcentre if needed.
5. Attend a Meeting
   A Work Coach will review your claim and help you set up a Claimant Commitment.
6. Wait for Payment
   First payments usually arrive five weeks after submitting your claim. You can request an advance if you’re in urgent need.

Extras

Your Universal Credit payment may include extra money depending on your situation.

Children

• Extra per child
• More support for disabled children

Disability or Illness

• Extra if you or your partner have a long-term health issue

Housing

• Help with rent if you rent privately or through social housing
• Mortgage interest support if you own your home

Childcare

• Up to 85% of childcare costs can be reimbursed
• Must use a registered provider and both partners usually need to be working

These additional payments are added to your standard allowance, meaning your total benefit could be much higher.

Changes

Life changes? Update your Universal Credit account as soon as anything shifts. You must report:

• New job or job loss
• Changes in income
• Moving to a new home
• Birth of a child
• Someone moving in or out
• Health conditions

If you don’t report changes in time, you risk overpayments or even fines.

The rise in Universal Credit to £617.60 for eligible couples is a real help for households under financial strain. But to make the most of it, you need to be sure you’re eligible, apply correctly, and keep your details up to date. Whether you’re claiming for the first time or adjusting an existing claim, this support can make a big difference—so don’t miss out.

FAQs